Swiss health insurance (KVG/LAMal): what to do in your first 90 days
Every Swiss resident must take out basic KVG/LAMal cover within 3 months of registration; cover backdates to arrival day and the premium is owed from that day regardless of when you sign. Choose an insurer, pick a franchise (CHF 300 to CHF 2,500) and a model (standard, family-doctor, HMO, telmed) - and apply for every family member separately.
Overview
Basic cover is identical by federal law - hospitalisation in the general ward of your canton, outpatient care, maternity, mandatory vaccinations - but premiums vary widely by insurer, canton, age, franchise and model. Comparison shopping pays directly into your pocket every month.
Choosing your KVG cover step by step
- 1
Compare premiums fast
Use Priminfo (federal regulator), Comparis or Bonus.ch. Filter by canton, year of birth and franchise. Premium differences of CHF 100-200/month per adult are normal between the cheapest and most expensive insurer for identical cover.
- 2
Pick a franchise that matches your usage
CHF 300 (default) if you expect regular care; CHF 2,500 if you are young, healthy and rarely visit a doctor. The break-even point is around CHF 1,900 of annual treatment cost at the high franchise.
- 3
Choose a model
Standard (free choice of doctor) is the most expensive. Family doctor (Hausarzt) saves 10-15%; HMO (group practice) 12-18%; Telmed (call first) 15-20%. All maintain full coverage; you accept a referral step.
- 4
Apply for every family member
Each person needs their own contract. Children under 18 have separate, much lower premiums (~CHF 100-150/month as of 2025). Some insurers offer family discounts on supplementary VVG, never on basic KVG.
- 5
Decide on supplementary VVG
Optional but useful: semi-private/private hospital, dental, alternative medicine, abroad cover. Take it within the first weeks - VVG insurers run medical underwriting and can refuse pre-existing conditions later.
- 6
Apply for premium reduction if eligible
Most cantons subsidise premiums (Prämienverbilligung / réduction de prime) for low-to-middle income households. Worth checking on a single-earner family salary up to ~CHF 100,000 in many cantons.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't sign up within 3 months?+
The cantonal authority automatically enrols you with a randomly assigned insurer, usually at a standard franchise and the standard tariff - often more expensive than what you would have chosen. You also pay all premiums backdated to arrival.
Can I change insurer later?+
Yes - you can switch basic KVG every year with notice by 30 November for change effective 1 January. With certain premium increases announced in autumn, you can also switch by 30 November or with shorter notice.
Is dental covered under KVG?+
No - basic KVG only covers a narrow list of medically necessary dental treatments. Routine cleaning, fillings, crowns, orthodontics need separate dental insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
Does KVG cover me abroad?+
Basic KVG covers emergency treatment in EU/EFTA countries up to twice the Swiss tariff, and worldwide emergencies up to twice the Swiss tariff. For longer stays or higher-cost treatment, take a VVG travel/abroad cover.
Can my children stay on EU health insurance?+
Generally no - if they are resident in Switzerland, they need Swiss KVG within 3 months. Exemptions exist for short postings with A1 certificates from another EU/EFTA country.